Accidents Caused by Improperly Loaded 18-Wheelers or Trucks
Among the causes of truck accidents an unsecured load can be the most dangerous. A fully-loaded 18-wheeler can carry tens of thousands of pounds of cargo. If this cargo is not secured properly or loaded evenly, it can cause a truck to overturn. Improperly load cargo can throw the truck off balance. The cargo, if not properly secured, can dump out onto the roadway, hitting neighboring traffic or causing highway crashes.
According to a 2004 survey conducted by AAA, more than 25,000 motor vehicle accidents are caused each year by unsecured cargo. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
has issued regulations on allowable weights for cargo. They have also issued rules about proper procedures for securing that cargo. {1} The FMCSA has issued requirements that the devices and systems used to secure cargo must be capable of meeting the performance criteria. The FMCSA requires that all vehicle structures, systems, parts, and components used to secure cargo must be in proper working order without damaged or weak parts.
Causes of Unsecured Loads in Commercial Vehicles
18-Wheeler loads can become unsecured due to a failure to properly maintain the equipment used to secure the freight. Cargo can shift due to a failure to properly load the cargo. Causes of unsecured loads include:
- Worn straps or tie downs – overuse, weather & sun damage, and trailer edges that wear into the straps impact the integrity of straps and tie downs
- Weak anchor points can cause straps and tie downs to release cargo while the truck is moving
- Using tie downs that are not strong enough to hold the load
- Loads that are too heavy, and exceed load weight limits can increase stopping time of the 18-wheeler
- Failure to properly inspect and maintain truck parts
When cargo is not secured properly, a hard braking incident can cause the cargo to shift inside a trailer. That shifting cargo can cause the trailer to tip over, resulting in a jackknife accident.
If You Were Injured in a Trucking Accident caused by an Unsecured Load, Get Legal Help
If you were injured in a truck accident due to an unsecured load, you might be able to take legal action. Contact Chelsie King Garza to discuss your possible case. Chelsie King Garza will work diligently to find all responsible parties, including the truck driver, the trucking company, or truck part manufacturer.
